Pre war history: Delivered in Aug.-1923 from Kristiansands Mek. Verksted, Kristiansand (163) as Fagerstrand I to A/S Nesoddens Dampskibsselskap, Oslo. Steel hull, 102,1(lpp) x 22,1 x 8, 191 gt, tripple expansion 50nhp 227ihp, registered for 330 passengers, in regularly scheduled service Oslo-Nesoddlandet. Especially built for the company's summer routes (carrying city folk wanting to go to the countryside) but she had a powerful engine and was used as ice breaker in the wintertime where the company's other vessels had to give up.

WW II: In Febr.-1941 the owning company fused with A/S Nesodden-Bundefjord Dampskipsselskap, Oslo. Requisitioned by the Germans on May 16-1941 for use as transport. Damaged by fire on Apr. 3-1944 following an allied attack on the German Tirpitz in Kåfjord near Alta. Aircraft from HMS Victorious caused extensive damages on the battleship (122 killed and 316 injured). Fagerstrand I caught on fire from burning oil from the whale oil factory C. A. Larsen. The wreck was later towed to Andersens Slip and laid up. Scuttled in shallow waters in Oct-1944 when the Germans evacuated.

POST WAR: Sold "as is" in Apr.-1946 to unknown owner, raised and taken to Harstad. Sold "as is" in 1947 to A/S Nord- & Østersjøfart (M. B. Johansen, Skien). Towed to Stokmarknes Mek.Verksted, Stokmarknes. Lengthened and converted to fishing vessel, 121,9 x 22,3 x 11,3, 277 gt, 325 tdwt, 5cyl Nohab 325bhp. Entered service as Sande in Jan.-1950, often with explosives (registered in Ski). Ran aground near Spro in the 1950's, minor damage. Renamed Sande II in May-1962, sold that same month to Johan Bjørshol, Trondheim, renamed Nidarø, in coastal service. Sold in March-1965 to Birger Skarsvåg, Åfjord, renamed Biala, in coastal service. Sold in Apr.-1968 to til Alfred Strømsvik, Gressvik, in coastal service. Renamed Atlegutt in June-1969. Remeasured around 1970, 263 gt. Sold in Aug.-1973 to Bernhoff Vollen, Frøskeland, in coastal service. In 1973 a 6cyl 4tev Klöckner-Humboldt-Deutz 460bhp (1960) motor was installed. Renamed Marinator in Apr.-1974. Sold in Apr.-1976 to Harry Lauksund, Alsvåg, in coastal service. Renamed Liholm in Oct.-1976. Remeasured in 1977, 241 gt. Later laid up at Alsvåg Mek. Verksted. Condemned and sunk in 1987. Deleted from Norwegian registers on May 31-1989.

WW II: When Norway was invaded on Apr. 9-1940 she was en route from Nordfjord to Bergen, and when she arrived Haus in Nordfjord around 7 in the morning the news of the attack was received. She continued to Davik and Bryggja, where she waited, together with Hurtigruten's Finmarken (listed further down on this page), which had been sent there from Måløy and had continued on to Hyen later in the day. That evening Fanaraaken was sent to Kalvåg in order to pick up mobilized Norwegian soldiers from Bremanger, then took them to Florø and Førde the next morning. From Apr. 16-1940 till May 1-1940 Fanaraaken was used in local traffic in Førdefjord and out to Flokenes, corresponding with a local vessel from Florø. Due to the danger of German air attack Fylkesbaatane did not want to send her further out in the fjord. Once the fighting in the south of Norway was over, she was sent to Mulebukt where she was camouflaged by the crew. Re-entered her regular service on May 16-1940. In the winter/spring of 1943 she was in service Bergen-Nordfjord, and in the summer that year from Bergen to Sogn. Requisitioned by the NS government (under Vidkun Quisling) in the fall of 1944 (Transportdirektoratet) for use in the evacuations of the North of Norway. Her regular crew refused to take part, so NS crew came to get her. When she was returned on Christmas Eve 1944 she was in terrible shape, with her engine as well as her interior damaged and full of "critters". Laid up in Bergen.

POST WAR: Went to Fredrikstad Mek. Verksted, Fredrikstad in Aug.-1945 for overhaul of engine, and at the same time converted for oil-fuelling(?). Back in service on Nov. 7-1945, often in the Bergen-Nordfjord route, occasionally to Dalsjord and Førdefjord as needed. Due to a strong current her port side drifted into land in Alverstraumen in Jan.-1954 with the result that she sprang a leak. Temporarily fixed at Salhus before heading to Bergen for repairs. Touched the ground near Bruknappen in Nordhordland in July-1956 when in the process of passing a barge. Ran aground north of Florø in Oct.-1958. On board were around 60 passengers who had to take to the lifeboats, later to be picked up by Venga. Fanaraaken was able to refloat by herself but got a wire in her propeller and had to be towed to Florø. In the 1960's she was often used as replacement in the Bergen-Sogn route. In heavy fog she ran aground in Alverstraumen in Oct.-1969, refloated after an hour. During Easter of 1970 she had her last voyage in regular service; an extra trip Bergen-Sogn. Fylkesbaatane and Møre & Romsdal Fylkesbåtar planned to convert her for cruising on the fjords of western Norway in the summertime, so in 1971 she got a new boiler (at the time, she was Norway's last local steam vessel in use), but the plans did not materialize and she was laid up. Sold in Jan.-1972 to Teigland Shipping A/S, Bergen, but not used. Sold again in March that same year to Fiadora Armadora SA, Piræus, Greece, renamed Midnight Sun, registered in Panama. Arrived Piræus on May 27-1972. Sank in shallow waters while laid up in Piræus, Febr. 26-1973, then sold "as is" in July that year for breaking up in Aegina, Greece. Raised and towed to Aegina where breaking up commenced on July 11-1973.

Pre war history: Delivered in May-1907 as Felix to D/S A/S Felix (P. A. Grøn), Sandefjord. The book used for this info (see source below) gives the tonnage as 1837 gt (at delivery). Purchased from owners in Porsgrunn by D/S A/S Felix (Jacob Ringen), Haugesund in 1916. Transferred in 1918 to D/S A/S Storborg. Managed by Brummenæs & Torgersen 1922. Sold in Febr.-1924 to D/S A/S John Knudsen, Haugesund. Laid up for sale in Haugesund in 1930. Sold in June-1934 to Jacob Kjøde A/S Bergen.

WW II: Under German control from 1940. Torpedoed at Folla by the British submarine Stubborn (Duff) on Febr. 11-1944, 3 died, all Norwegian (Engineer Arne Pettersen, Stoker Kristian Martinius Lorentzen, Engineer Hagbart Martinius Nilsen). She was badly damaged, but later repaired in Bergen.

Lauritz Pettersen ("Hjemmeflåten - Mellom venn og fiende") gives the date Febr. 12, and says she was sunk but raised. He does not have her listed under German control.

POST WAR: In Namsos in May of 1945, returned to Norwegian ownership. Broken up in Antwerp in Dec.-1952.

Related external link:The 3 who died - This website gives the date Febr. 11 and adds that Felix was beached at Flatanger.

Haugesund had a tug by this name, built 1995, now in service in Amsterdam, Holland.

M/S Fenring

Dampskibsselskabet Topdal A/S, Bergen

51 gt

Built in Oslo 1914. Previous name: Flaskebæk until 1937.

Pre war history: Delivered in May-1914 from Nylands Verksted, Oslo (244) as Flaskebæk to Richard Bache, Oslo. Steel hull, 56 x 15 x 7,6, 51 gt, 2cyl dm. Used in the local Oslo-Nesoddlandet route, one of the first Norwegian motor vessels in this type of service. Sold in 1918 to Flaskebæk & Omegns Trafikkselskap, Oslo. In 1926 the company fused with Nesoddens Dampskibsselskab, Oslo. Sold in Dec.-1929 to an unknown owner in Oslo, then sold again that same month to Bundefjord Dampskibsselskab, Oslo. Sold in Apr.-1937 to Dampskibsselskabet Topdal A/S, Bergen, renamed Fenring (the old name for Askøy), and used in regularly scheduled service Bergen-Laksevåg-Strusshamn on Askøy.

WW II: On Apr. 8-1943 the company changed its name to Rutelaget Bergen-Vest A/S, Bergen. Rebuilt and lentgthened that same year by A/S Mjellem & Karlsen, Bergen, 74,1, 73 gt. A new 2tev Wichmann dm installed at some point in the 1940's.

POST WAR: In service Alvøen-Bjorøyhamn from June-1962. Laid up May-1963, then sold in Nov. that year to Niels B. Ferdinandsen, Gilleleje, Denmark, service between Denmark and Sweden. Broken up in 1970.

POST WAR: Renamed Skarsfjell in 1950. In 1955 the company's name changed to Tromsø Ferje- og Busselskap. Company and vessel sold in 1967 to Troms Fylkes Dampskibsselskap, Tromsø, primarily used in the Futrikelv-Skulgam (Kvalsundet) route. Sold in 1974 to A/S Veidekke, Haslum/Oslo. Condemned in 1985.

Seized by Kriegsmarine in 1940. Captain Karl Wagner. Bombed by British aircraft on Dec. 16-1944 and sunk at Krakhellesund. The salvage vessel D/S Parat also sank in this attack. According to the text under the link "Den farlige kysten" below Ferndale had run aground on Seglstenen in the dark the day before, a big rock in the narrow channel they were passing through. Other ships in the convoy were the German D/S Wilhelms and the tug Fairplay X. Wilhelms was ordered by Marine Vermittlung at Bergenhus to continue to Ålesund with 2 of the escorts, while the 3rd escort vessel V 5305 Jäger (ex. Norwegian Hval VI, ref. my list of Hval whalers) and Fairplay X were ordered to stay with Ferndale. An examination of Ferndale showed that diver assistance was needed and the salvage vessel Parat was ordered to come to Krakhellesund. The next day, Dec. 16 an aircraft was spotted above them and the alarm sounded. 45 minutes later 19 Mosquito's from Banff Strike Wing attacked, leaving Ferndale and Parat on fire. One of the aircraft was shot down, both pilots died. About an hour later another 6 Mosquito's attacked, also from Banff Strike Wing (these aircraft were actually on "anti U-boat patrol" in the Fedje area, until they spotted the smoke from the burning ships). One of them, Mosquito S from 235 Squadron, got a direct hit from Jäger and crashed into the mountainside. Both pilots, one of whom was a young Australian of Norwegian descent (Kenneth Cupples Beruldsen), died. There's a picture of the latter in this article, which was written by Halvor Sperbund. He had taken off in his aircraft from his mother's country, Scotland, to meet his death 2 hours later in his father's country, Norway.

German Flak crew, who died on Ferndale:
Matrosenobergefreiter Walter Kutscher, Matrosengefreiter Artur Spandehra, and Matrosenobergefreiter Konrad Watzlawik. (These names were sent to me by Halvor Sperbund, his source: Soldatenfriedhof Solheim, Bergen).

Related external links:Den farlige kysten - For those of you who read Norwegian. This is from the Norway during WW II website, and discusses the attack on Ferndale and Parat, with a picture of the 2 burning ships.

Ferndale - From a Norwegian site for divers. Gives details of her sinking and location of the wreck, in English and Norwegian. (It appears he has visited my site too!)

M/S Ferngulf

Fearnley & Eger, Oslo

5295 gt

Built in Copenhagen 1941. Delivered as Ostland for the Germans.

Seized by the Germans in May-1940 while building, transferred to the German Navy, completed in June-1941 as Ostland, used as troop transport. See text under Vesla for details on an aircraft attack on Dec. 5-1944.

Struck a mine off Anholt on Apr. 13-1945 and was badly damaged.

(This ship is listed as 5273 gt in "Hjemmeflåten - Mellom venn og fiende", Lauritz Pettersen. He also claims that she sank after striking the mine, but was repaired and put back into service).

POST WAR: Recaptured by British forces at Aarhus in May-1945, returned to Norwegian owners on July 4-1945, repaired and renamed Ferngulf (see also this Guestbook message). Sold in 1964 to Compania Naviera Lanado S.A., Panama, and renamed Valmas (Greek flag).

Ended up under Nortraship (though sailed in the Homefleet all through the war) - click on her name for more info.

D/S Finse

J. M. Johannesens Rederi A/S, Bergen

1614 gt

Built in Bergen 1916. Previous name: Snar until 1926.

Pre war history: Ordered at Bergens Mek. Verksteder, Bergen (194) by unknown owner, year unknown. Sold several times before she was completed, then delivered in Febr.-1916 as cargo vessel Snar to A/S Sjøfart (S. O. Stray & Co.), Kristiansand. Steel hull, 244.5 x 37.6 x 15.8, 1614 gt, 2350 tdwt, Triple Expansion (BMV) 161nhp. Owned from Sept.-1921 by A/S Norsk Rutefart (same managers). Sold in March-1926 to A/S D/S Finse (J. M. Johannesen), Bergen, taken over in Hamburg. Docked, delivered in Sept.-1926 and renamed Finse. In service in the North Sea and Baltic, typically with coal from the U.K., lumber and pulp etc. from Norway. In Jan.-1934 the owning company changed its name to J. M. Johannesens Rederi A/S, Bergen.

WW II: Rescued 2 (4?) men from the Norwegian ship Strindheim in the North Sea in the fall of 1939.

Finse is listed in Convoy ON 12, which left Methil for Norway on Febr. 13-1940. Later that month she joined Convoy HN 15 from Norway to the U.K., in ballast for Blyth, and in March we find her in Convoy ON 22 to Norway - follow links for more info, several Norwegian ships took part.

Attacked near Lauvsnes, Flatanger (near Namsos) by German aircraft on May 4-1940 and damaged.

Seized by the Germans on Aug. 7-1940 (at Flatanger), repaired.

On Oct. 19-1943 Finse was in Hamburg when allied aircraft attacked, killing Finse's trimmer Sigvald J. Andersen (this according the the memorial for seamen that I've linked to below).

POST WAR: In Jan.-1947 she was on a voyage to Lübeck when she got stuck in ice south of Lolland, Denmark. The weather that winter was extreme and she remained in the ice for 2 months, having to get supplies from shore. Several times she was about to be broken down by the ice, even the larger ice breakers could not assist her, but finally, in March-1947* she managed to get free and continued to Lübeck where she was inspected. Damages were such that she had to be extensively repaired. Rebuilt in 1952, 1653 gt, converted to oil fuelling, back in service in Oct. same year. After a while she was often laid up in Bergen in the wintertime, but was otherwise in lumber trade from the White Sea to Europe, or in North Sea service. After having discharged her cargo near Årdalstangen on Febr. 5-1958 she went to Bergen to be laid up. Docked in May-1959, then back in service.

* Flemming Hansen has sent me a copy of an old newspaper article in Fredericia Dagblad, dated March 15-1947, and she was still helpless in the ice at that time. Signals had been received from her by, among others, Farsund Radio in Norway, and by Danish/Swedish ice breaking services, requesting assistance, but the ice was so thick that nobody could do anything for her. She was in very bad shape by then, and there was a fear that she couldn't withhold the pressure from the ice much longer. The article adds that she was in German waters, 3 n. miles north/northwest of Femmern. Request for help had also been sent via a German coastal station, but neither they nor Lolland-Falster were able to assist, because none of them had vessels capable of dealing with the heavy ice.

Sold in Sept.-1960 to Strassa Corp. of Panama, Beirut, Libanon (unknown Greek owner), delivered in Porsgrunn on Dec. 10-1960, renamed St. George. Renamed Aghios Georgios II in Febr.-1961 (R. W. Jordan says managers were Kollakis Bros Ltd). On fire on Apr. 30-1963, abandoned and aground in Pevensey Bay, 5 miles east of Eastbourne (voyage KenitraGranton, esparto grass). Fire extinguished on May 3-1963, found to be gutted and declared constructive total loss. Refloated on July 8-1963. Sold to Belgian breakers and arrived Bruges on July 10-1963 in tow, to be broken up by Jac Bakker & Zonen.

Pre war history: Delivered in June-1900 from Fevigs Jernskibsbyggeri, Fevik as Firda to Nordre Bergenhus Amts Dampskibe, Bergen. Steel hull, 162,2 x 24,3 x 13,5, 500gt, Tripple Expansion 119nhk, 11,5 knots. In regularly scheduled passenger/cargo/mail service Bergen-Sogn og Fjordane, and was the company's first vessel with electric light. Ran aground off Skjerjehamn, Gulen on Dec. 9-1916, and with a lot of lumber on deck she developed such a heavy list that water came in on the port side, but the pilot and mate managed to get her back to port before she sank with just her bow and bridge above water. No casualties. Raised and repaired in 1918. The company changed its name on Jan. 25-1919 to Fylkesbaatane i Sogn & Fjordane, Bergen. New boiler installed at Bergens Mek. Verksteder, Bergen in Oct.-1938. Rebuilt and modernized in 1939, well was covered (space for 6 cars on deck), wheelhouse built in.

WW II: When Norway was invaded on Apr. 9-1940 she was en route to Nordfjord, and remained inactive until May, at which time she re-entered her regular service. (Was not requisitioned by the Germans). Ran aground and heavily damaged near Vatsøy on June 9-1941, repaired. When the big explosion occurred in Bergen on Apr. 20-1944 (ref. D/S Rogaland) she had arrived from Nordfjord and had just landed her passengers at Nykirkekaien in Bergen, but escaped with minor damages. The deck people were thrown down by the explosion, and one of Fylkesbaatane's quay workers, Albert Hjertholm was killed when he was thrown across Firda's deck. She listed so far over to starboard out from the quay that water came in on deck. After about 5-6 minutes she started to straighten up again and a small harbour tug got her out of Vågen and anchored up in Puddefjord in Bergen Harbour. Laid up.

POST WAR: Repaired in May-1945. Back in regular service on July 20-1945. Modernized at Bergens Mek. Verksted, delivered July 1-1948, converted for oil fuelling. Collided with the motor cutter Smelvær in Oct.-1949 near Bruknappen in Nordhordland with the result that Smelvær sank. 2 men were injured (on Smelvær?) but all on board were saved in the dinghy. Collided again in July-1951 with Njård II which was moored at Fonnesstraumen. The sail cutter sprang a leak and sank, but no casualties. Firda was laid up about 1953. Sold for breaking up in Holland in July 1960, picked up by a tug on June 7.

There was also a Firda I, built 1916 (rebuilt 1929?), only 44 gt, owned by A/S Firda (Audun Lem) - homeport Møy.

Firern *

A/S Thor Dahl, Sandefjord

247 gt

Built in Oslo 1929.

Whale catcher, built by Akers mek. Verksted, Oslo for A/S Odd (A/S Thor Dahl), Sandefjord). Chartered to the Norwegian state Sept. 27-1939. Was on the scene in Jøssingfjord on Febr. 16/17-1940 along with the torpedo boats Skarv and Kjell (Altmark affair).

Abandoned by crew at Rasvåg, Hidra on Apr. 29-1940 following engine trouble. Found by the Germans on May 2-1940 and taken in tow to Kristiansand. Converted to escort vessel and renamed NK 08 (Kanonier?). Sunk by torpedo from an English aircraft west of Sirevåg on July 19-1941, while escorting the steamer Helga Ina to Stavanger. Helga Ina rescued 16 survivors and took on board 2 who had died, while 11 Germans were missing. 2 English aircraft had also attacked earlier in the day, but no serious damages during that attack, which took place near Sognvor light.

Thor Dahl later had another whale catcher by this name, originally built in Oslo in 1942 as vorpostenboot Rutges, 392 gt, which was taken over by the Allies in 1945 and used as minesweeper in the period 1945-1947 (name in this period not known). Sold to A/S Odd (Thor Dahl) in Jan.-1947 and given the name Firern. Sold to Australia in March-1957, renamed Tangalooma in 1958, later Looma 1 (1962). Sold in Dec.-1962 to J. A. Perano & Co. Ltd., New Zealand, renamed Orca 1963, used for whale catching until 1964. Broken up in New Zealand in the fall of 1966 by Pacific Scrap Ltd. (Sources: Ulf W. Gustavsen, Norway, E-mails from Jon Perano, who owned Orca, as well as this posting and this posting to my Ship Forum, in a thread starting with this this query. Pictures of Orca are available. There's also a picture of Tangalooma on this external page).

M/S Fisterfjord

A/S Jøsenfjord Ruteselskap, Stavanger

ca. 142 gt

Built in Opsanger, 1921.

Pre war history:Delivered in June-1921 from Hans Gravdal, Opsanger in Sunnhordland as Fisterfjord to A/S Jøsenfjord, Vadla in Ryfylke. Wooden hull, 98.4 x 20.4 x 9.2 - 126.20 gt, 2cyl 2tev Wichmann rm 160bhp. In regularly scheduled service Stavanger-Ryfylke, Captain Magnus Kalheim. This company already serviced the southeasterly parts of the Ryfylke fjords, but this was now extended to include Sand and Hylsfjord. In 1923 the company made an agreement with its strongest competitor, Det Stavangerske Dampskibsselskab, resulting in Sand and Hylsfjord being left to the latter, while A/S Jøsenfjord concentrated on the original routes. Fisterfjord was placed in the Stavanger-Årdalsfjord service for a few months until the company's new Årdalsfjord took over, at which time Fisterfjord was placed in the Stavanger-Sørvåg-Fister-Sandanger-Ølesund-Hundsnes-Hjelmeland-Skiftun-(occasionally Nesvik)-Tøtlandsvik-Vadla (Jøsenfjorden) run, quickly becoming popular among travellers in these areas. She was also hired out for extra runs, for instance to Newcastle with berries from Ryfylke a couple of summers in the 1920's, carrying coal on her return trips. Additionally, she was hired out for voyages to Haugesund, Hardanger and Bergen. In 1932 the owning company changed its name to A/S Jøsenfjord Ruteselskap, Stavanger. Rebuilt in 1934, "glass veranda" in her full width on the boatdeck - 98.4 x 20.4 x 9.4, 142.13 gt. In 1936 a 4cyl 2tev Wichmann rm 300bhp was installed.

WW II: Laid up near Buøy, Stavanger towards the end of the war (1944?) due to lack of fuel.

POST WAR: In 1947 the owning company changed its name to A/S Jøsenfjord Rutelag, Stavanger. In 1949 the Stavanger-Hjelmeland-Vadla run was taken over by the company's newly rebuilt "sea bus" Hjelmelandsfjord and Fisterfjord was placed in other routes. At the same time Knut Øye took over as skipper, to be replaced by Osvald Holmen on June 1-1963. Placed in the Stavanger-Tau-Årdal run in the fall of 1964, and occasionally substituted in other routes as well. Fisterfjord ran aground on Sept. 15-1968 near the inlet to Eidssund at Ombo when en route from Stavanger to Jørstadvåg, resulting in a leak that could not be held at bay by the pumps and she sank in shallow waters alongside the quay at Eidssund. Her crew of 7 and the 4-5 passengers were able to get ashore. (Fisterfjord's regular skipper was not on board on this voyage). Raised and repaired and re-entered service. Later she was often in service Stavanger-Foreneset-Erfjord. On the evening of Febr. 16-1970 a fire erupted in the engine room while at Foreneset in Ryfylke. Her crew of 7 were saved and a vessel was found that could tow her away from the houses on the Foreneset quay - completely burnt out, condemend and taken over by unknown insurers. The wreck was taken over by Elias Engøy, Sandnes in 1970, for sinking. Her motor, propeller and misc. other items were removed for sale. The wreck was raised, then towed by Skarvøy of Egersund on May 1-1970 to Nedstrandsfjord, where she was sunk. Deleted from Norwegian register on Sept. 15-1970.

(This information received from T. Eriksen, Norway - His sources: Article about A/S Jøsenfjord Rutelag in the Norwegian magazine "Skipet" 2.91 by Alf Johan Kristansen and Per Alsaker, and "Fjordabådane" by Magnus Torgersen, 1981).

Fj

D/S Fjalir

Fylkesbaatane i Sogn og Fjordane, Bergen

244 gt

Built at Dumbarton 1858(!).

Pre war history:Delivered in Dec.-1858 from Alexander Denny, Dumbarton (58) as Fjalir to Nordre Bergenhus Amts Dampskibe, Bergen. Iron hull, 131,7 x 20,9 x 11,1, 247 gt, 2cyl (Denny) 40nhk. Arrived Bergen on Dec. 30-1858, and on Jan. 5-1859 she was placed in the regularly scheduled Bergen-Sunnfjord-Nordfjord route. Ran aground in Alverstraumen on Apr. 2-1859, repaired. Ran aground again that same year near Solvorn in Lustrafjord, repaired. From Jan.-1867 she was in service Bergen-Nordfjord (while Hornelen took over the the Sunnfjord route). Rebuilt at Bergens Mek. Verksteder, Bergen in 1873, among other things new interior, new boiler and engine, 2cyl Compound 49nhk, 9 knots. Rebuilt in 1894, bridge raised, deckhouse added, became 244 gt. New boiler installed at Laxevaag Maskin & Jernskibsbyggeri, Bergen in 1896. Ran aground in Granesund, Askvoll in 1899. Collided in 1911 with M/S Bøtuna off Eivindviksund. The motor vessel had no lanterns and 2 people died when it sank. In 1919 the company was renamed Fylkesbaatane i Sogn og Fjordane.

WW II: When Norway was invaded on Apr. 9-1940 she was laid up at Damsgårdsund, Bergen. Sold in Oct.-1940 to Knut Magnus, Bergen, then sold again that same month to A/S Inger (Jacob Kjøde A/S), Bergen with the intention of using her as accommodation vessel during fishing seasons, among other places in Vesterålen. On hire to Fosen Dampskibsselskab A/S, Trondheim at some point during the war for local traffic (not very popular among travellers in Trøndelag county, had the nickname "Kaldflir" and "Fjøset" - the former is hard to translate, the latter means "The Barn"). Sold in Apr.-1944 to Haugesunds Dampskibsselskap and renamed Brandasund. In local service Haugesund-Bergen. Badly damaged during the explosion in Bergen harbour on Apr. 20-1944 (see D/S Rogaland). Parts of the ship were later found on the market place in Bergen, all glass on board was broken and wash basins and toilets destroyed, but she was able to proceed to Haugesund for her own power where she was repaired, and returned to service in Febr.-1945.

POST WAR: Laid up in the summer of 1947 when the route was taken over by Landanes. Sold in Sept.-1948 to Stavanger Skibsophugnings Co., converted to barge. Owned by Brødrene Anda, Stavanger from 1951, broken up in Dec.-1951.

This company had previously had another Fjeld, originally built in 1904 as Rags for owners in Bergen, 3524 gt, then Danish Vinland from 1915, Norwegian Vela from 1916, Zephyros from 1929, Anton Meidell's Fjeld from 1932. Broken up in 1936.

Pre war history: Delivered in May-1935 from Nylands Verksted, Oslo (322) as Fjellstrand to A/S Nesodden Dampskibsselskab, Oslo. Steel hull, 110 x 21.9 x 7.3, 219 gt, Triple Expansion (Nylands) 473ihp, 13.3 knots. Registered for 374 passengers. Built especially for owner's summer routes in inner Oslofjord (with city people wanting to go to the countryside). She couldn't be used for this service during the wintertime due to her high coal consumption, so was laid up then.

WW II: In Febr.-1941 the company fused with A/S Nesodden-Bundefjord Dampskipsselskap, Oslo. Requisitioned by the Kriegsmarine in May-1941. Used that year to transport the wounded from Bergenske D/S's passenger vessel Meteor, used by the Germans as hospital vessel in Neidenfjorden west of Kirkenes (Meteor left there in Aug.-1941). On Jan. 14-1942 Fjellstrand was in the German convoy in which the German Türkheim (ex Swedish Fagervik) was sunk by the Russian S-102 (Gorodnichii).

POST WAR: Returned to owners in June-1945. Sold in 1958 to N. C. Sardis, Rhodos, Greece, renamed Stella. Renamed Panormitis in 1960. Condemned in 1968 following a fire on board.

(Info received from T. Eriksen, Norway - His sources: Article about A/S Nesodden-Bundefjord D/S by Harald Lorentzen in Skipet 3.90, "Lang Kyst" by Trygve Nordanger, 1975 and a thread on my Ship Forum).

D/S Fjordbuen

Det Stavangerske Dampskibsselskap, Stavanger

76 gt

Built in Stavanger 1899.

Pre war history: Delivered in Apr.-1899 from Stavanger Støberi & Dok, Stavanger (34) as Fjordbuen to Ryfylke Dampskibselskab, Stavanger. Steel hull, 79.7 x 17.6 x 8.3 , 76 gt, 2cyl Compound (SS&D) 130ihp. In regularly scheduled service in Ryfylke (heavily competing with Stavangerske D/S vessels). In Apr.-1909 the owning company and its routes were purchased by Det Stavangerske Dampskibsselskab, Stavanger, and continued much in the same routes for several years (Skiftun, Hålandsosen, Årdal and Steinnesvåg, later Stavanger-Jørpeland-Tau, also to Muslandsvåg).

WW II: During the war she was in service Rennesøy-Stavanger.

POST WAR: Service Steinnesvåg-Stavanger and Stavanger-Jørpeland-Tau by the winter of 1947-48, then laid up in 1948 as "reserve". Sold in 1949 to S. Ronglans Sildoljefabrikk (herring oil factory, S. Ronglan, Haugesund), somewhat de-rigged and converted for use during the winter herring season in the northwest part of Norway; as accommodation vessel and in transferring herring from the fishing vessels to freighters, which then transported the fish to the owner's herring oil factory at Storøy near Haugesund. Sold in 1958 to B. Heide Ltd. Jr., Kristiansund N. and in similar use in Kristiansund N and on the coast of Helgeland. Sold around 1965 to Paul Gjerde, Ørsta for breaking up.

(Facts received from T. Eriksen, Norway - his sources: Fjordabådane" by Magnus Torgersen, 1981 and article about DSD by Alf Johan Kristiansen in the Norwegian magazine "Skipet", 2.90 and 1.91).

Norway had a freighter by this name in the early 1960's - this was the former Radøy I.

My page M/S Fjorddrott has more information on this ship, as well as a picture.

D/S Fjæra

Hardanger Sunnhordlandske Dampskibsselskab, Bergen

106 gt

Built in Trondheim 1869. Previous names: Orkla until 1908, Tautra until 1916.

Pre war history: Delivered in Oct.-1869 from A/S Trolla Brug, Trondheim Orkla to Det Ørkedølske Dampskibsselskab, Trondheim. Iron hull, 57 gt, unknown steam engine type. In regularly scheduled service Orkdal-Trondheim. Rebuilt and lengthened at Trondhjems Mek. Verksted, Trondheim in 1894, 90 x 16,8 x 7,8, 106 gt. In 1899 a 2cyl Compound engine was installed. Sold in 1903 to Frosta Dampskibsselskab, Trondheim. Renamed Tautra in 1908. Sold in May-1916 to Hardanger Søndhordlandske Dampskibsselskab, Bergen (as replacement for Lyderhorn which had been lost), and renamed Fjæra. In service Bergen-Sunnhordland, later in local Sunnhordland service. In the summer of 1922 she was in the tourist trade in Hardanger (Odda-Tyssedal-Lofthus-Utne-Eide), otherwise in local service in Sunnhordland. In Oct.-1930 the company changed its name to Hardanger Sunnhordlandske Dampskibsselskab, Bergen.

WW II: Was laid up in Bergen when Norway was attacked on Apr. 9-1940 and the Germans tried to get hold of her but this was prevented. Re-entered the local Sunnhordland service at some point early in the war. Collided with German Taifun on Aug. 9-1942 in Langenuen near Stord. Though the German vessel was to blame, Fjæra's Captain Framnes was sentenced to 4 months in jail. (See this thread on my Ship Forum, in particular Johan Ottesen's reply).

POST WAR:Fjæra had been laid up again, fell into a bad state of repair and did not reenter service. Sold in Dec.-1949 to Alf Vågsbø, Bergen. Broken up in Bergen.

Pre war history: Delivered in Apr.-1914 from Hauges Jernskibsbyggeri, Haugesund as Florøy to Nordre Bergenhus Amts Dampskibe, Bergen. Steel hull, 63 x 13,6 x 7,6, 34 gt, 2cyl 2tev Bolinder 50bhk, 8 knots, registered for 77 passengers - sistership of Vaagsøy. Placed in the regularly scheduled service around Florø Apr. 10-1914 to Rognaldsvåg, to Bremangerpollen, to Norddalsfjord and to Eikefjord. In service Sandane-Stryn in Nordfjord in the summer of 1916, then laid up in 1917 due to shortage of fuel. Later alternated in the route around Florø and Måløy with the company's Vaagsøy, Balder and Stavenes. At some point she saved a schooner that had run aground near Rutletangane in outer Sognefjord. On Jan. 25-1919 the owning company changed its name to Fylkesbaatane i Sogn & Fjordane, Bergen. Placed in local service in Sogn in 1930.

WW II: In scheduled service to the villages in Nordfjord all through the war; Sandane-Hyen-Ålfoten-Nordfjordeid-Hopland. Occasionally laid up due to shortage of oil.

POST WAR: Continued in the same service, then in Jan.-1953 she was placed in the 'milk run' Hyen-Kleppenes-Skjerdalen-Hestenesøyra-Lote-Devik-Sandane, but towards the end of the 1950's she became too small for this route and the company's Maaløy replaced her in the fall of 1959, while Florøy entered local service around Florø, to Eikefjord and Høydalsfjord. In Sept.-1966 the rented Sendingen II took over until the route was cancelled in 1970. Sold in 1967 to Simonsen & Mustad A/S, Horten. Extensively rebuilt for use as demonstration vessel for maritime, electronic equipment. Entered service as Simrad in 1968. Sold in 1984 to K/S A/S Seadem, Oslo. In 1986 a 4tev General Motors dm 185bhk motor was installed, 8 knots. Renamed Simrad Sonar in 1991. Sold in 1992 to Espen Saastad, Porsgrunn. Sold in 1996 to Thomas Solli, Skien, renamed Arctic Sector.

4 other vessels of about the same size; Hyse, Kveite, Lange and Sei were also built for the Germans(all these names are names of different types of fish). They all ended up sailing under the Norwegian flag.

POST WAR: Frostfilet A/S, Trondheim (under administration of the Norwegian State, Oslo) from May-1945. Company named Frostfilet Norsk A/S, Trondheim from May-1947. Sold in March-1948 to Ingart Neverdal, Bessaker (Trondheim), renamed Sinbad in Nov. that year. Sold in 1952 (Jacob Bjørshol, Staurset). Rolf Bjørshol, Staurset, 1955. Ran aground near Hanøy, Flatanger on Jan. 9-1964, salvaged by Parat. Rolf Bjørshol, Kyrksæterøra, 1964. Sold in 1965 to Lars K. Botten, Valsøybotn (Kristiansund). New engine installed in 1967, 3cyl Grenaa 330bhp (1959). Sank on Dec. 3-1969 following a collision with an unknown vessel near Ørland, Trondheim on a voyage Rausand-Bjugn with rocks. (See also a message on my Ship Forum).

(Partly from info found in"Hjemmeflåten - Mellom venn og fiende", Lauritz Pettersen [book 5 of the series "Handelsflåten i krig"], and partly from T. Eriksen, Norway).

D/S Fløien

Dampskibsselskabet Topdal A/S, Bergen

ca. 90 gt

Built in Porsgrunn 1897. Previous names: Sandø until 1899, Flaskebæk until 1913.

Pre war history: Delivered in June-1897 from Porsgrunds Mek. Verksted, Porsgrunn as Sandø to Fredrikshald-Hvaler Dampskibsselskab (A. B. Strøm, Halden). Steel hull, 85,9 x 16,7 x 7,7, 82 gt, 2cyl Compound 22nhk. Used in regulalry scheduled service Halden-Hvaler islands. Sold in March-1899 to A/S D/S Flaskebæk, Nesodden (Rich. Bache, Oslo), renamed Flaskebæk and used in the local Oslo-Nesoddlandet route. In 1900 the company fused with Nesodden Dampskibsselskab, Oslo. Rebuilt in 1902, 86,56 gt. Sold in Apr.-1913 to Dampskibsselskabet Topdal A/S, Bergen, renamed Fløien, rebuilt that year, 90,44 gt, and used in the Bergen-Laksevåg-Askøy-Fjell route. In the fall of 1914 she was requisitioned by the Royal Norwegian Navy for use as neutrality guard. Returned in 1919. Rebuilt in 1936 at Frydenbø Slip, Damsgård, Bergen, new wheelhouse.

Fishing vessel in German control. Drifted ashore on Oct. 5-1944 when in southbound tow from Kirkenes to a yard. The tug ran aground north of Bodø.

Norway had a Flømann after the war, 533 gt, built in Oslo as Tirol for the Kriegsmarine, delivered in July-1941. Taken over by the Norwegian State in 1945 (A/S Kosmos/Anders Jahre, Sandefjord) and renamed Kos 25. Sailed as Star I for Hvalfanger A/S Rosshavet, Sandefjord from 1947. Sold in 1955 to Tønsberg Hvalfangeri, Tønsberg and renamed Busen 6. From 1960 she sailed as R 7 for Albion Star (South Georgia) Ltd. Rebuilt in 1968, having been sold to owners in Ålesund, renamed Hareidingen (618 gt). Sailed as Flømann for A/S Flømann, Ålesund from 1971. Renamed Hundvåkøy in 1999 for owners in Bergen, then Hundvåkøy I in 2001, Torbas in 2002 (owners in Hammerfest, Norway). Still in use?

Fo

D/S Folden * raised

A/S Saltens Dampskibsselskab, Bodø

316 gt

Built in Oslo 1905.

Pre war history: Delivered in June-1905 from Akers Mek. Verksted, Oslo (243) as Folden to A/S Saltens Dampskibsselskab, Bodø. Steel hull, 143.2 x 26.2 x 9-7, 303 gt. Placed in regularly scheduled service in Salten. Her engine, a triple expansion (Akers) 53nhp 370ihp (1900) was from the company's previous Folden which had been condemned after having run aground on Jan. 28-1905. Damaged during a hurricane on Dec. 29-1917, repaired. Rebuilt in 1938, interior renewed, 316 gt.

WW II: Bombed and set on fire by German aircraft in Kvarøyfjord on Apr. 25-1940, on a voyage Myken-Indre Kvarøy, 6 died. The wreck was beached near Tonnes, completely burnt out. Later raised and towed to Bodø, condemned and taken over by insurers, laid up. Sold back to A/S Saltens Dampskibsselskab, Bodø in 1941, repaired and rebuilt at the company's own yard, 337 gt, back in service in July-1944. By the winter of 1945 she was laid up, while the company's Bodin serviced the Salten and Ofoten routes alone.

POST WAR: Sold to Anders Aarsæther Jr., Ålesund in Dec.-1954, converted to oil fuelled freighter, 333 gt, 300 tdwt, back in service in 1956. Renamed Havda in 1959, remeasured, 292 gt. Sold in 1960 (forced sale), buyer unknown, possibly Brødrene Anda? Broken up by Brødrene Anda, Hundvåg, Stavanger in the fall of 1961.

(From T. Eriksen, Norway - his source: Article by Jens Chr. Egenæs about Salten D/S in the Norwegian magazine "Skipet" 1.93 and info received from Akel Kuehn found in "Marine News").

Related external link:4 who died - The Norwegian text here says she was also attacked by machine gun fire in addition to being bombed, and that she had 21 on board at the time. Only the 4 are commemorated here - among them is the captain, Karl Alfred Richard Ellingsen. Ludvik Kristian Hanssen was a coastal pilot, Paul Andreas J. Sørensen was an engineer, and Olaug Elisabet Willumsen was a waitress. "Våre falne" (ref. My sources) also lists Steamship Girl Johanna Karoline Hansen (who had been on board since 1932) - date for the attack is given as Apr. 27-1940, and Postal Clerk Christian Pedersen.

This compnay had previously had another Folden, ex Namsos, ex Kotchaloff, built in Newcastle 1871. Later became Ofoten and Kunna, broken up in1953.

M/F Folgefonn

Hardanger Sunnhordlandske Dampskibsselskab, Bergen

197 gt

Built in Bergen 1938.

Pre war history: Delivered on June 2-1938 from Bergens Mek. Verksteder, Laksevåg, Bergen as Folgefonn to Hardanger Sunnhordlandske Dampskibsselskab, Bergen. Steel hull, 119,7 x 26,6 x 9,7, 197 gt, 4cyl 2tev Wichmann 300bhp. Registered for 300 passengers (18-20 cars). Constructed by the company's own engineer by the name of Daae and when new she was Norway's largest and most mordern car ferry. Built for the new route Ålvik-Kinsarvik in Hardanger, later shortened to Kvandal-Kinsarvik (when the road Ålvik-Kvandal was complete). Captain was Sivert Bakke.

WW II: When Norway was attacked on Apr. 9-1940 she was in Bergen for her yearly overhaul, then returned to her regular service. When the fighting in Hardanger was taking place she was in Eidfjord, but was not seized and continued in her regular run for the rest of the war (Captain Arnfinn Utne). That is not to mean that the Germans did not want her; she would have been very useful as troop and vehicle transport, but she was a necessary link between the eastern and western part of Norway, and the company succeeded in preventing requisition.

POST WAR: The newly built ferry Hardangerfjord took over her run in 1953, while Folgefonn was placed in ferry service Brimnes-Ulvik in Hardanger, replacing Kinsarvik. Also replaced Hardangerfjord as needed. In June-1957 she replaced Halsnøy in the local Sunnhordland service, later in several other areas. In 1965 a 4cyl 2tev Wichmann 400bhp was installed. Taken out of service in 1979. Sold in Apr.-1979 to Dixon Travel Ltd., Merseyside (Liverpool) with intended conversion for tourist traffic in the Aegean Sea. Later laid up in the Thames (by 1994).

WW II: Used as allied troop transport early on in the war in Norway. Attacked and damaged by aircraft several times, repaired.

POST WAR: Laid up in the early 1950's. Sold in 1953 to A/S Anlegg, Trondheim, renamed Rallaren and used as accommodation vessel in Tjongsfjord, Rødøy in connection with the building of a power plant. Fell into a bad state of repair and later sank there.

Related external link:D/S Folla - A website for divers. Has a lovely picture of the ship and a lot of information on her history. (Text is in Norwegian).

This company later had 2 more ships by the name Folla, one built in 1954, renamed Stokke in 1978. Sold in 1989 to Odd Berg, Halden and renamed Akerø. The 3rd Folla was built in 1978.

D/S Force

Martin Clausen, Haugesund

499 gt

Built at Hardinxveld 1906. Previous names: Nicolas, then Mallin.

Pre war history: Delivered in Sept.-1906 as Nicolas, owner not known. In 1926 she was the English Mallin when purchased by D/S A/S Force (M. Clausen) and renamed Force.

WW II: When the Germans approached Bergen on Apr. 9-1940 Force was among several ships en route to this city. 9 vessels were stopped south of Bergen by Norwegian patrol boats and sent elsewhere (the others were Hellesund, Neptun, Stensaas, Haardraade, Rogaland, Tindefjell, Jarl, and Bjønn, follow the links for more details on each ship - see also San Miguel). Force, however, continued into port that morning, but later found it best to head out and went into Fanafjorden, together with D/S Karmøy which had been anchored up near Askøy at the time. The German war ships went past only a few meters from them, so the captain of Force realized it would be best to get away from the Bergen area altogether and went directly home to Haugesund.

On Dec. 3-1943, Force and Vela were anchored in Kongsfjorden in Finnmark when a storm blew up. Vela drifted into Force and both ran aground. The case was taken to court and in March-1947 the court concluded that each company should cover their own damages, partly because Force had only one anchor out.

According to Jürgen Rohwer Force was attacked by the British submarine Venturer (Launders) northwest of Egersund on Sept. 13-1944. 3 torpedoes missed (she was also attacked by gunfire), and the sub had to dive when coastal batteries opened up.

POST WAR: Sold in 1947 to Harry Persson, Landskrona and renamed Jan. Delivered to Gluckmanns Metallaffär for breaking up in Aug.-1949.

Later & former ships by this name:Martin Clausen had a motor ship named Force after the war, built as Marengo in 1919 for French Government. S/escort trawler, 392 gt. Later Ulm of Boulogne 1923, Portugal Primero of Lisbon 1924, Emilia Primero of Lisbon 1935, Royal Navy's Sunrise from Aug.-1940 (boom defence boat). Purchased by Martin Clausen in Oct.-1946 (from owners in Bergen), rebuilt to motor vessel in Karmøy in 1947/48, renamed Force. 461 gt in 1951. Lost off Vardø in March-1957, crew saved. Martin Clausen had another vessel by this name in the period 1957-1959. This ship was delivered as Lake Erie in 1917 to the U.S. Shipping Board, Washington, 1328 gt. She had been launched as War Beaver (The Shipping Contr. U.K.) but requisitioned by U.S.A. Collided with D/S Hazel Branch on Jan.16-1919 off Cardiff and sank (no info on when she was refloated). From 1920 she was owned by Th. Brøvig, Farsund as Gezina, follow the link for more details. Additionally, another Haugesund Co., H. K. Waage had a ship by this name 1911-1913. Originally delivered in May-1890 as Simon Dumois for Bergh & Helland, Bergen, 709 gt. Purchased by H. K. Waage in 1911 and renamed Force in 1912. Ran aground on Dec. 28-1913 near Akranes, Iceland on a voyage Reykjavik-Patrikfjordur to complete her cargo of fish. ("Våre gamle skip" and "Våre motorskip", Leif M. Bjørkelund and E. H. Kongshavn).

M/S Fornebo *

Kristine Kristoffersen, Rognan

142 gt

Built 1918.

Ran aground at Lista on Febr. 3-1942 when on a voyage from Thamshavn to Sarpsborg with cargo of pyrites.

D/S Forra I

Det Stavangerske Dampskibsselskab, Stavanger

35 gt

Built in Romsdal 1916. Previous name: Ideal.

Pre war history: Built by unknown builders in Romsdal as Ideal for unknown owner. Wooden hull, 62.3 x 15 x 7.3. A 2cyl Compound (Stavanger Støberi & Dok) steam engine was installed at some point, year unknown. By 1921 she had been sold to Henrik Lunde, Stavanger, at which time she was 31 gt. By 1928 owner was Stavanger & Omegns Meieri, Stavanger (Dairy), renamed Forra I and was by then 35 gt. Used in the milk transport Stavanger-Åmøy-Brimse-Østhus-Talgje-Reilstad-Eidssvåg-Sæbøvåg. Owner by 1934 was Kristine Lunde, Stavanger. Sold in May-1938 to Det Stavangerske Dampskibsselskab, Stavanger.

POST WAR: By 1947 she had been sold to Brødrene Anda, Hundvåg, Stavanger, renamed Jadar. Used as transport in Stavanger harbour. At some point a 4cyl 4tev Deutz dm 40bhp was installed. Renamed Ena, year unknown. Owner was Harald Kristiansen, Sævelandsvik, Karmøy in 1949, then by 1956 she was owned by P/r Einar Carlson, Odda. Sold to a diving club (year unknown) and used in connection with diving in Ulvikfjorden. Eventually fell into a bad state of repair alongside the quay in Ulvik. The owner of the quay was afraid she would sink there and saw to it that she was sunk in Ulvikfjorden.

WW II: In local service Jelsa-Sauda-Vatlandsvåg-Vikedal-Imsland-Finnvik during the war, occasionally to Rennesøy and Finnøy.

POST WAR: In the winter 1948/'49 in service Stavanger-Steinnesvåg (Finnøy). Sold in the spring of 1949 to Lars Svendsen, Jørpeland, converted to freighter, 43 gt, motor of unknown type installed, in service as Strandbuen. Sold in 1958 to Veblungsnes Sandtak (Øivind Krogsæter, Åndalsnes), in local sand trade. Deleted from Norwegian registers as condemned around 1970. Sunk in Romsdalsfjord 1974?

(Details on this vessel received from T. Eriksen, Norway - misc. sources).

Pre war history: Delivered on Febr. 15-1906 from Christiansands Mek. Verksted, Kristiansand (116) as Fosen to Fosen Aktie-Dampskibsselskab, Trondheim, steel hull, 133'/125'(lpp) x 19' x 9.7'-16.5', 273 gt, Triple Expansion (Akers) 335 ihp. Arrived Trondheim for the first time on Febr. 26, and trials took place on March 2, before she was placed in service Stjørna-Hemne-Hitra-Frøya on May 1. On Oct. 4-1911 she helped refloat D/S Vikingen, which had run aground at Rogntåa off Reinsklosteret. During the 1st World War, Fosen was periodically requisitioned by Den Konglige Norske Marine as guard boat in Trondheimsfjorden. Ran aground near Uddu in heavy snow on Jan. 10-1917, passangers were landed and Fosen managed to refloat herself. Ran aground again in Årlotbukten between Hasselvika and Rissa on Febr. 15-1921, when en route to Trondheim. Passengers were transferred to Haakon Adalsten and taken to Trondheim, while Fosen was refloated by Bjørnen. Later periodically laid up. On hire to A/S Gulosens Dampskibsselskab in June-1925, for use in the route Trondheim-Buvik-Børsen, while that company's Gulos was at a yard. On Aug. 2-1925 Fosen ran into the quay in Vingvågen, repaired and rebuilt, delivered in Nov. that year. Collided in Sept.-1928 with unknown motor cutter in Trondheim. Overhauled at Trondhjems Mek. Værksted A/S, Trondheim in Nov.-1928. On Jan. 13-1929 she was on her way out from Bogøy in her route, when the wind pressed her towards land, and she suffered some damages which were repaired in Trondheim, the company's Frøya (listed further down on this page) taking over her route in the meantime. Collided with Albion off Leksviklandet on Jan. 28-1931, minor damages. On Febr. 10-1937 she towed Tordenskjold (with engine trouble) from Rissa to Brekstad. Fosen ran aground on July 8-1937 near Årlotnes/Hasselviken in heavy fog, resulting in some damage to her bow, repaired in Trondheim. Rebuilt same year. On Apr. 2-1938 she towed the company's Hitra to Trondheim, the latter having run aground near Lensvik.

WW II: Requisitioned on Sept. 15-1939 by Den Konglige Norske Marine. Requisitioned by the Kriegsmarine on Apr. 14-1940, in use as guardboat Bussard. Returned to owners for a while in Sept.-1944. Bombed and set on fire in Nov.-1944 by allied aircraft in Ramsøyfjorden, fire extinguished.

POST WAR: Returned to owners on Dec. 7-1945 in bad state of repair, extensivley repaired at Trondhjems Mek. Værksted A/S, Trondheim, delivered in July-1946, reentering service on July 20. Laid up in the period Jan./Apr.-1951. Laid up June 19-1954. On hire to Indherreds Aktie-Dampskibsselskab, Steinkjer in Febr.-1955. Ran aground in bad weather on Oct. 14-1955 in Åstfjorden, refloated herself, minor damages. Renamed Frøyvær in 1955. Sold in Jan.-1956 to A/S Transport (Eilert Østbø), Hundvåg in Stavanger. Converted to barge in 1959. Sold in June-1970 to Skarsvåg Shipping, Trondheim, and used between the towns in Trøndelag county carrying grain. Broken up by owner in 1973 at Ladehammerkaien, Trondheim (owner bankrupt 1973-74).

Pre war history: Delivered in May-1910 as whale catcher Foula to Chr. Salvesen & Co., Leith, 115 gt.Sold in Oct.-1929 to D/S A/S King (Svend Utne Lothe), Haugesund (R-70-H), catching with King in the Arctic in the 1930 season, then laid up near Svinholmen, Haugesund. Managed by Adolf Lothe, Haugesund 1934 (R-70-H), still laid up. Sold in June-1939 along with whale catcher Busta (which had also been laid up near Svinholmen) to Halvor Berntsen, Tau and converted to freighter/fishing vessel, 109 gt. Entered service as freighter Foula in 1940.

WW II: Requisitioned by the Kriegsmarine in 1940. She had 3 Norwegians on board, guarded by the German Luftwaffe soldier Gottfried Gerdes, Hamburg when sunk by 2 German aircraft 5 n. miles west/northwest of Cape Majakka (Fisherman's Peninsula) / Rybachij on June. 21-1943 on a voyage Vardø-Kirkenes with fuel, herring in barrels and tools for Luftwaffe. As can be seen from the various postings on this subject to my Ship Forum the misc. sources give conflicting views on the events that day. According to a German source (KTB Admiral Polarküste) Foula followed the normal route until she suddenly appeared to be crossing the Varangerfjord heading for Russian territory, leading them to suspect she was attempting an escape in the foggy weather. The German aircraft dropped 2 bombs near her as a warning, but when she kept going she was sunk by another 2 bombs. The KTB of the naval commander, Kirkenes (which I've received from A. Kuehn) states that Foula had arrived Vardø on the 20th where she was given instructions by the German port authorities as to which course to follow. On the morning of June 21 she left Reinøysund and after having passed Kiberg she could not be seen from land because of the fog. This source also indicates that she was attempting to escape, and adds that since there were no suitable vessels at Vardø to be sent to the scene, 2 FW 190's were ordered to go out to force her to return, or sink her. The location is given as 8 km off the NW point of Fisherman's Peninsula.

Alexander, a Russian contributor to this thread states that Foula (flying the German flag) was detected by Soviet forces north of Cape Vajtolahti, drifting in the direction of Pummanka Bay. Fearing she would be captured by the Soviet ships the Germans ordered her sunk. He gives more than 2 aircraft, namely a pair Bf 109, then 3 FW 190, and an hour and a half later, 2 Bf 109 (these could, of course be the same as the first pair). She remained afloat and, on fire, she continued drifting towards the Soviet coast. The Russian MTB's TKA-12 and TKA-13 (StLt. A.O.Shabalin) were sent out to get her, but TKA-12 had to return due to technical problems. TKA-13 picked up a Norwegian man and the German soldier, both of whom were injured, and soon afterwards another, seriously injured Norwegian was picked up from the water, but he died not long afterwards. As TKA-13 would not be able to tow Foula, she was sunk. The 2 survivors were taken to Russia. He says she was on a voyage FROM Kirkenes.

Rune, one of the posters to this thread on my forum points out that it's not very likely that Foula could have drifted helplessly all the way from the area of Cape Kiberg to Fisherman's Peninsula (Rybachij) as it's rather a large distance. Also, it appears that the crew never signalled for help during those hours.

T. Eriksen has told me that according to the book "Fraktefarten i Moster" Moster Sogelag 1998 the skipper, Sverre Totland (Mosterhamn) died in the attack. Sjømennenes Minnehall i Stavern (The Seamen's Memorial in Stavern, Norway, see "Related link" below) lists the cook, Alf Bendix Wathne. When including the injured man picked up from the water, it adds up to a total of 3 Norwegians. I've since received an E-mail from the son of Arne Gausel, the 3rd crew member. He was seriously injured and was at a hospital in Murmansk for a long time, before being sent back to Norway in 1944 as a radio operator. He was later arrested by the Germans and was in prison camps in Narvik, Flagstad and also at Grini, where he was when the war ended (he died in 1991).

Built in Dumbarton 1858. Sister ship of Fjalir further up on this page.

Pre war history: Delivered in Nov.-1858 from Alexander Denny, Dumbarton, Scotland as Framnæs to Nordre Bergenhus Amts Dampskibe, Bergen. Iron hull,131,9 x 21 x 11,1, 2cyl H&L (Denny) 40nhk, 242 gt. Arrived Bergen on Nov. 27, having had a rough voyage that left her with some damages, repaired. Placed in regularly scheduled service with passengers, cargo and mail Bergen-Lærdal-Luster-Aurlandsfjord in Sogn from Dec. 7 that year. Rebuilt at Bergens Mek. Verksteder in 1873, new interior, boiler and engine, 2cyl Compound. Ran aground near Skjelanger, Herdlefjord in June-1875, repaired. Ran aground in Dalsfjord 1899, repaired. Laid up in 1904. Rebuilt and lengthened in 1909 at Akers Mek. Verksted, Oslo, 134,9 x 21 x 11,1, 307 gt, new engine -Tripple Expansion 57nhk. Ran aground and heavily damaged near Rongevær in Apr.-1911, repaired. Ran aground and sank in 21 fathoms in Nesefjord, Sollund on Aug. 29-1913, raised and repaired at Bergens Mek. Verksteder, Bergen and placed in the Bergen-Førdefjord and Dalsfjord route. Company changed its name to Fylkesbaatane i Sogn & Fjordane on Jan. 25-1919. Ran aground at Svanøybukt in Sunnfjord in Oct.-1938, propeller knocked off, repaired.

WW II: When the war broke out in Norway on Apr. 9-1940 she was at a yard in Bergen for her yearly overhaul, but re-entered service that same year. Continued in her regular service (not requisitined by the Germans during the war). When southbound from Nordfjord to Bergen with about 70 passengers she was attacked and damaged in Frøysjøen by British aircraft on Nov. 8-1944. 6 died, (5 passengers and Able Seaman Kristoffer Vangen), 9 seriously injured (4 passengers and 5 crew, among them 1st Mate Erling Borge who was on the bridge). A German convoy was at anchor nearby at the time, the German D/S Aquila and D/S Helga Ferdinand were sunk. Beached near Austnes in Gulen. Refloated and laid up for the rest of the war.

POST WAR: Repaired. Sold to Belgium in June-1951 for breaking up - at that time she was Norway's oldest passenger vessel, having served her company longer than any other ship. Departed Bergen for Antwerp on June 23-1951, arriving June 27.

Related external links:2 crew who died - In addition to the able seaman mentioned above, Chief engineer Kristian A. Henriksen is also listed here (according to "Våre falne" he had a heart attack and died on Nov.-18-1944, however, date might be an error?). This site adds that there were some live animals on board. The Norwegian text with regard to the attack says more or less the same as what can be found above, giving the location as "near Apenes", and adding that the attack was most probably aimed at the German convoy nearby.

Norway had also had another D/S Framnæs. This ship was built at Framnes mekaniske verksted in 1896 (delivered Aug. 8) and belonged to Larvik Dampskibs Aktieselskap (Thøger Andresen), 146 gt. This was a local passenger/cargo vessel with a crew of 11, certified for 265 passengers. Sold in Febr.-1913 to A/S Larviks Dampskibsselskap, but capsized and sank the following year on Nov. 13, no casualties ("Damp - Dampskipets æra i Vestfold").

M/S Freikoll *

Kristiansund

236 gt

Built 1941.

A posting to my Ship Forum in a thread starting here, says an attempt was made by 2 Norwegian MTB's to torpedo the ship, north of Florø on the night leading up to Oct. 8-1944. This failed, but MTB 722 managed to cause heavy damages to the ship, setting her on fire. She driftet ashore south of Søreboneset. Another response adds the following: "MTB 722 fired 2 torpedoes against the Freikoll (1941/236), but missed. She then shelled the coaster with her guns, and the Freikoll drifted ashore ablaze (lost). The crew of 9 were taken onboard the MTB 722, but 4 of them were released and placed on board the captured (but released) fishingboat Vikar I. The Vikar I was captured by MTB.712".

I've also found an M/S Freikoll with the home port Kristiansund which was built in 1905, owned by Oswald Rødahl,107 gt.

D/S Frekhaug

Alversund & Meland Eimbaatlag LL, Frekhaug

63 gt

Built in Kristiansand 1911. Previous name: Farø until 1923, Hamre until 1926, Farø I until 1927.

Pre war history: Delivered in Nov.-1911 from Christiansands Mek. Verksted, Kristiansand (137) as local passenger/cargo vessel Farø to A/S Fram (Gustav Pedersen), Farsund, steel hull, 67.6' x 14.5' x 10', 63 gt, 2cyl Compound, 70 ihp. In local service around Farsund. Sold in Jan.-1917 to A/S Knarrevik Transportselskap, Knarrevik (Sotra / Bergen) and placed in service between Bergen and A/S Den Norske Superfosfatfabrikk in Knarrevik. Occasionally hired out to Dampskibsselskabet Topdal, Bergen for service Bergen-Askøy, replacing the company's Fløien. Owners went bankrupt in 1920, laid up. Sold in Dec.-1923 to Indre Nordhordland Dampbaatlag, Bergen, renamed Hamre, service Bergen-Osterfjord-Sørfjord. Renamed Farø I in Oct.-1926 (another ship was to get the name Hamre), laid up. Sold in Sept.-1927 to Alversund & Meland Eimbaatlag LL, Frekhaug, renamed Frekhaug. In regularly scheduled service with passengers, cargo and mail Bergen-Holsenøy-Flatøy-Isdalstø, occasionally to Kvamsvåg and Alverstrømmen.

WW II: In 1943 the company's vessels (incl. Holsenøy) were sold to Alversund & Manger Dampbåtlag LL, Bergen, same service. Sold in 1943 to J. Moe, Oslo, stayed in Bergen. Sold in the fall of 1943 to O. J. Meidell Olsen, Oslo, stayed in Bergen. Sold in the fall of 1943 to Per Andersen, Kløfta, stayed in Bergen. Laid up at some point in Store Lungegårdsvann, Bergen together with local steamer Topdal.

POST WAR: Sold in Oct.-1947 to Einar Cook, Bergen for breaking up - broken up at Strusshamn, Askøy.

Pre war history: Delivered Febr. 24-1899 from Trondhjems Mek. Værksted A/S, Trondheim (85) as Frosta to Frosta Dampskibsselskab A/S, Trondheim. Steel hull, 100'/95'(lpp) x 16.6' x 9', 113 gt., Tripple Exp. 195ihp. Entered regularly scheduled service Trondheim-Vanvikan-Frosta March 1 that year, occasionally hired out for pleasure trips in Trøndelag. In Febr.-1909 she was at Trondhjems Mek. Værksted A/S, Trondheim for an overhaul. Ran aground in May-1909. Repaired at Baklandet Mek. Verksted, Trondheim. Collided in July-1909 with tug Beta in Trondheim harbour. Lengthened 12' at Trondhjems Mek. Værksted A/S, Trondheim in 1919, 146 gt. Hired out in the period Jan./June-1920, laid up between Oct/Dec. that year. In 1921 she was laid up for the most part of the year. Collided on Dec. 19-1925 with freighter Betzy in Trondheimsfjord in heavy fog. In 1939 electricity was installed.

POST WAR:In Jan.-1958 the owning company fused with Fosen Trafikklag A/S, Trondheim. Sold in June-1959 to unknown owners in Egypt, remained laid up in Trondheim. Towed from Trondheim by freighter Sotra in Aug.-1960, in service under the Egyptian flag 1961. Deleted 1968.

POST WAR: Sold in Sept.-1949 to Finnsnes Ferjeselskap A/S, Finnsnes and renamed Silsand, service Finnsnes-Silsand (Gisund). The ferry company was dissolved when the Gisund bridge was opened and the vessel was sold in 1972 to Troms Fylkes Dampskbisselskap, Tromsø, no name change. Sold in 1974 to A/S Maskin-Bygg, Finnsnes, no name change. In 1991 she was being fixed up for Dyrøy og Sørreisa Dykkerklubb (Diving Club), but the club was dissolved in 1993 and the vessel crushed with a machine.

(Info from "Troms fylkes D/S's fleet list, Finn R. Hansen).

D/S Frøya

Fosen Aktie-Dampskibsselskab, Trondheim

324 gt

Built Trondheim 1912.

Pre war history: Delivered on March 26-1912 from Trondhjems Mek. Værksted A/S, Trondheim (149) as Frøya to Fosen Aktie-Dampskibsselskab, Trondheim, steel hull, 129' x 21' x 9.1', 285 gt., Triple Expansion (TMV) 417 ihp, 10.8 knots, registered for 335 passengers. In regularly scheduled service in outer Trondheimsfjord, Hitra and Frøya, with stops in between. On June 11-1913 she was placed in service Trondheim-Kirksæterøra-Kristiansund N-Sunndalsøra. Hired out to the postal services from Dec. 20-1913 in order to carry mail to Hammerfest, replacing Vesteraalen, which had run aground near Vallersund on Dec. 18. From July-1914, Frøya was back in the Trondheim-Kristiansund N-Sunndalsøra route. Hired out from Dec. 3-1914 until Nov. 23-1915 to Den Konglige Norske Marine, used as guardship at Agdenes. On Nov. 7-1917 Frøya was en route to Trondheim, when she ran aground near Størdalsbukten, Lenvik beach, but was not damaged - her passengers and cargo were picked up by Verma. Frøya ran aground again the following month (Dec. 4) near Melandsjø, Hitra, towed to Trondheim by Øger with a damaged propeller and engine which were repaired. Ran aground near Røberg on Dec. 14-1918.

Laid up from Apr.-1920, in use as replacement vessel. In Trondheim on July 21-1922 when a fire erupted on board - repaired. On Febr. 9-1923 she assisted the company's Yrjar, which had ran aground and sunk in the harbour at Halten in a storm, arriving Trondheim on Febr. 12 with Yrjar's crew and 12 passengers. Frøya subsequently returned to her regular service (no longer laid up). From Dec.-1925 she was laid up at Trondhjems Mek. Værksted A/S, Trondheim while waiting to be rebuilt. Rebuilt and lengthened 12' in 1926, 324 gt., registered for 355 passengers, back in regular service Apr. 28-1926. Hired out to Indherreds Aktie-Dampskibsselskab, Steinkjer in Sept./Oct. that year and used in that company's coastal route Innherred-Bergen, while Namsos and Havda were at a yard. In Oct.-1928 Frøya collided with the motor cutter Edda near Rødberg, and the following month (Nov. 20) she lost 2 men following an explosion and fire on board when en route to Trondheim. Repaired at Trondhjems Mek. Værksted A/S, Trondheim, delivered May 2-1929. Hired out to Indherreds Aktie-Dampskibsselskab, Steinkjer again in Febr.-1930, and used in the coastal route Steinkjer-Stavanger. Collided with Fresvik in June-1931 (near Trondheim), minor damages repaired. Overhauled at Trondhjems Mek. Værksted A/S in Aug.-1932. Ran aground at full speed and damaged on Sept. 22-1938 at Agdenesfluen, proceeded to Trondhjems Mek. Værksted A/S and repaired.

WW II: After the German invasion of Norway on Apr. 9-1940, she was prevented from going in her route in outer Trondheimsfjord, Hitra and Frøya owing to German barriers near Agdenes in Trondheimsfjorden. Placed in the route Trondheim-Stadsbygd-Ingdal-Lensvik-Selva from Apr. 12-1940, with return via Hasselvik and Rissa.

POST WAR: After the German barriers near Agdenes had been removed at some point in May-1945 she was placed in service Trondheim-outer Trondheimsfjord-Brekstad. Extensively overhauled at Trondhjems Mek. Værksted A/S, March 1-1946, delivered Aug. 7 and returned to her regular service. Renamed Froan on Dec. 12-1953, laid up. From March 21-1954 she was used as replacement for the company's other ships while they were at the yard. Laid up May 28-1954, when owner's new Frøya was delivered. Sold in Febr.-1955 to Skoleskipet Tordenskjolds Fond (Sør Trøndelag Fylke, A. Stangeby), Trondheim, converted to training vessel at Hommelvik Mek. Verksted. Renamed Trøndelag June 8-1955. Renamed Trøndelag II Apr. 23-1963. Sold in Dec.-1965 to Arendal Skipsophugning, Arendal for breaking up, engine removed. Sold in 1968 to unknown owner in Oslo and in use as storeship and floating yard. Moved to Hovedøya (Oslo) in 1974 and used as service station for small vessels. Sold in 1975 to Almar Pedersen, Risør, used as base for repair of barges and tugs. Sold in July-1975 to unknown owner in Porsgrunn. Laid up. Sold on Febr. 24-1984 to unknown owner in Sweden, towed to Landskrona by Swedish tug Bröt-Amund, broken up.

The Norwegian Navy had a minelayer by this name, built 1916, 760 gt - sunk in action with a German warship in Trondheimsfjord during the invasion of Norway on Apr. 9-1940. See also this thread on my Ship Forum.

Fu - Fy

Fulmar *?

Trondheim

? gt

Built at Gosport 1878. Previous names: Argo, then Ingva.

Pre war history: Built assteamer (wood fuelled) Argo of Portsmouth, later Ingva, 181 gt. Purchased by Oscar Kjeldsen, Skudeneshavn in 1901 as Fulmar. Rebuilt in May-1901 (3 masted schooner), and registered for A/S Fulmar (O. Kjeldsen), Skudeneshavn. Sold in 1911 to Alb. Bakke, Rugsund, Florø. New compound 90 nhp in 1917. Homeport Ålesund in the period 917-1926, then Trondheim until 1941.

WW II: Aground on Febr. 27-1941 near Madsøgalten, Leka on a voyage Namdalen-Vesterålen.

WW II: Fulton is listed in Convoy ON 12, which left Methil for Norway on Febr. 13-1940. Later that month she joined Convoy HN 15 from Norway to the U.K., in ballast for West Hartlepool, returning to Norway in the middle of March with Convoy ON 20 - follow links for more info, several Norwegian ships took part.

1st Mate Mate Jens Arne Berg died when he was hit by shrapnel in his cabin during an air attack off Ålesund on Apr. 20-1942. Mate Anton Petter Hanken also died in this attack.

POST WAR: Sold in May-1960 to Brødrene Anda, Stavanger for breaking up.

(Westfal-Larsen fleet list).

D/S Fusa *

Det Midthordlandske Dampskibsselskab A/S, Bergen

172 gt

Built in Gothenburg 1875. Previous names: Elfdrottningen until 1880, Särö until 1889, Kinnekulle until 1897, Hankø until 1906, Haugesund until 1915, Fuse until 1925.

For more information on this ship and a detailed account of her final fate, please see my page D/S Fusa.

M/S Fykan

Ofotens Dampskibsselskap, Narvik

40 gt

Built in Copenhagen 1910. Previous name: Tatjana until 1919?

Pre war history: Delivered as Russian Tatjana in 1910, original tonnage not given. Arrived Copenhagen with Russians refugees in 1918. Purchased in 1919 by Saltens Dampskibsselskap, Bodø, in passenger/cargo service Bodø area. There's no mention of exactly when Tatjana was changed to Fykan, but I assume it was in 1919 when sold? Rebuilt, 40 gt. Sold in Oct.-1928 to Ofotens Dampskibsselskap, Narvik, no name change, and in local "milk transport". Sunk on March 16-1936 in Skjomenfjord, raised by salvage vessel Stærkodder. Rebuilt in 1944, 48 gt, service Sør-Skjomen.

POST WAR: Sold in 1967 to Olav Haugen, Sør-Arnøy/Bodø and renamed Maran Ata. Lengthened and converted to "missionary vessel" in 1968, 70 gt. Sold in 1975 to Maran Ata-båtens Misjon (Dagfinn Hoddevik, Bjørndalstrø/Bergen), Bodø. Sold in 1978 to Olav Haugen, Sør-Arnøy/Bodø and renamed Misjonsbåten Nytt Håp. Condemned in 1989 and sunk near Røssøyskjær in Fugløyfjord. Equipment removed before sinking.